From Oscar-nominated films to a 3D live concert by Billie Eilish: 7 must-see movies for Golden Week

The sequel to the blockbuster hit “The Devil Wears Prada,” released 20 years ago , opens simultaneously in Japan and the U.S. on May 1.Andy, who once worked as an assistant at the top fashion magazine “Runway,” is drawn back into that world. The catalyst is a crisis threatening the magazine’s very existence. As Editor-in-Chief Miranda and her right-hand man Nigel find themselves in a tight spot, Andy—who had been working as a reporter—returns to the editorial department as a features editor.

A film adaptation of Stephen King’s novella “The Life of Chuck,” which consistently tops bestseller lists. It is a moving film that depicts hope beyond fear, following in the footsteps of “Stand by Me,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” and “The Green Mile.” It received a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the Audience Award, the festival’s top prize.

The final chapter of the North East trilogy, following *I, Daniel Blake* and *When We Think of Family*. The setting is “The Old Oak,” the last remaining pub in a coal-mining town. Once a place of respite for the community, it transforms into a site of conflict following the arrival of Syrian refugees. The film was screened in the Competition section at the 76th Cannes International Film Festival and was nominated for Best British Film at the 77th British Academy Film Awards.

Mike is a man who once devoted his entire life to music. Now, however, he spends his days performing on stage only by imitating other singers. Then Claire, a woman who shares his passion, appears in his life. They form a Neil Diamond tribute band, and what begins in a small garage eventually captivates large audiences. Kate Hudson, who plays Claire, was nominated for the Best Actress Award at the 98th Academy Awards.

A concert film capturing Billie Eilish’s 2024–2025 world tour, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR.” Using cutting-edge 3D filming technology, it recreates the frenzy and immediacy of the live performance in 3D. James Cameron, known for the “Avatar” series, co-directed the film with Billie herself.

A suspense thriller by Iranian master filmmaker Jafar Panahi. It won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival. Vahid, who was once unjustly imprisoned, happens to encounter a man he believes to be the guard who tortured him. He impulsively detains him, only to discover that the name on the man’s ID card belongs to someone else—. The film explores the psychological turmoil of a man torn between revenge and the pursuit of truth.

At the 82nd Venice International Film Festival’s Horizons section, the film became the first by a Japanese director to win the Special Jury Prize. It is a feature film centered on the Rohingya refugees, considered one of the most persecuted ethnic groups in the world. A brother and sister living in a refugee camp embark on a grueling journey in hopes of reuniting with their family. The film depicts their struggle to keep moving forward with hope in their hearts, despite facing natural threats and the dangers of human trafficking.